Using Rufus (Windows)

Rufus is a popular utility for Windows that helps format and create bootable USB drives.

Important

⚠️ Warning: Incorrect device selection will result in data loss! Always double-check the selected drive and backup important data.

See Hardware Compatibility Guide for detailed system requirements and drive sizes.

Download Rufus from the official website
Run the program - Rufus doesn't require installation, it's a portable application

Rufus offers two methods for writing MiniOS to a USB drive:

Launch Rufus as administrator
Select the USB drive in the "Device" field
Select the MiniOS ISO file:
- Click the "SELECT" button
- Find and select the downloaded MiniOS ISO file
Choose write mode:
- In the "Hybrid ISO image detected" dialog, select "Write in DD Image mode"
Start the process: Click the "START" button
Confirm the action - all data on the drive will be deleted
Wait for completion of the writing process

Launch Rufus as administrator
Select the USB drive in the "Device" field
Select the MiniOS ISO file:
- Click the "SELECT" button
- Find and select the downloaded MiniOS ISO file
Choose write mode:
- In the "Hybrid ISO image detected" dialog, select "Write in ISO Image mode"
Configure settings:
- File system: FAT32 (recommended) or NTFS
- ⚠️ When choosing NTFS: EFI mode booting may be unavailable
Start the process: Click the "START" button
Confirm formatting - all data on the drive will be deleted

MiniOS will automatically detect the writing method and configure change persistence:

DD mode: If free space is available, will create an ext4 partition for maximum performance
ISO mode: Uses a dynamic file for saving changes

When precise persistence configuration is needed, boot parameters can be used: